The raised itchy bump is an immune reaction to each site where a parasite has entered the epidermis. When they come in contact with human skin they burrow in and immediately die as we are not hospitable. The larvae of the cercaria parasite travel between their water snail host and their intended waterfowl host. Swimmer’s Itch is caused by a flatworm parasite. If you’re squeamish you may want to gloss over this section as it’s not too pleasant to visualize the source of these scratchy bumps. Before you give up on swimming in our salt-free waters I thought I’d share some handy tips on how to prevent and treat Swimmer’s Itch. But for those who are new the area, Swimmer’s Itch can send you running for dry ground. We had our first dose of the pesky malady a few years ago, so now I’m prepared when it shows up. The geese are swimming, the beaches are full, and unfortunately, Swimmer’s itch is popping up on some of our favorite lakes. If that’s not enough and you find yourself in need of a doctor, stop by one of our four urgent care clinics in Hampton Roads.Summer has returned to Northern Michigan. However, with our region’s abundance of beautiful wetlands, coastlines, and wildlife, it can happen anywhere! Taking the necessary precautions when you are out enjoying nature will hopefully prevent swimmer’s itch and other ailments. Here in Hampton Roads, swimmer’s itch is not as common as in some other parts of the US. Is swimmer’s itch a problem in Hampton Roads? If your rash doesn’t go away after a couple of weeks, if you suspect it has become infected, or if you need stronger relief for the itching, you should visit your doctor or local urgent care clinic. During this time, scratching at the blisters could result in a secondary infection. However, symptoms can last for two weeks. The rash can be treated with common remedies like oral antihistamines, steroid creams, anti-itch lotions, cold compresses, and bathing in Epsom salts or oatmeal. Swimmer’s itch is not contagious and will go away on its own. When should I see a doctor for swimmer’s itch? Wearing protective swimwear like a wetsuit, rash guard, or swim leggings will reduce the surface area available for the parasites to contact the skin.Using creams that prevent jellyfish stings may also be helpful in preventing the parasite from trying to burrow into the skin.Drying off with a towel immediately after getting out of the water can remove the parasites before they get a chance to burrow into the skin.Avoiding the shallow water or shoreline will reduce the chances of encountering the parasites.Stagnant freshwater sources, like lakes or ponds, are more likely to cause swimmer’s itch than oceans or flowing water.However, since it’s nearly impossible to know this beforehand, here are some helpful tips to remember: The only sure way to prevent swimmer’s itch is to avoid water that is contaminated with the parasite. However, repeated exposure to the allergen will make the rash worse and the onset more sudden. As with any potential allergen, people may react with varying levels of severity - or not at all. Swimmer’s itch is an allergic reaction to the parasite. Not everyone who comes in contact with the parasite will develop symptoms. not underneath a tight-fitting swimsuit). The rash can appear all over - on any part of the body that was exposed to the water (i.e. Signs of swimmer’s itch may start to occur within minutes of swimming in infected water, though sometimes it can take days for symptoms to appear. The bad news: They leave behind a lovely parting gift - an itchy rash. The good news: The parasites cannot survive in humans - they will soon die. If these microscopic larvae encounter a human in the water, they will burrow into the skin in hopes they’ve found a suitable host. Once the larvae are ready, they leave the snail in search of their new host. If the bird feces gets into the water, the parasite eggs hatch and start looking for their intermediary host, a particular type of snail, to continue their development. Animals (mostly birds) that become infected will pass the parasite through their droppings. It’s a skin rash caused by certain parasites that live in water. Swimmer’s itch goes by the formal name of cercarial dermatitis. While this is an enjoyable way to cool off, there’s one thing to keep an eye out for afterward: swimmer’s itch. It can be tempting on a hot summer day to go wading in a nearby lake or take a dip in the ocean.
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